Hunter injured when shotgun blows up

BOISE - An Idaho man severely injured his hand when the shotgun he was using blew up while he was hunting.

Idaho County Sheriff's officials say Shawn Crea was bird hunting on Christmas Day in Idaho County near Highway 7. When Crea fired the gun, officials say the barrel exploded, severely injuring Crea's left hand.

None of the man's hunting companions were close by, but his cries for help were heard by other hunters who called 911.

Crea, 46, is currently being treated at Spokane hospital.

Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what caused the malfunction, but officials said an improperly hand-loaded shell may be to blame.